Ross MSP Maree Todd has blasted the UK Government over its 'utterly shameful' sanctions on Universal Credit claimants
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The Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP has slammed the UK Government over its move to impose sanctions on people who claim Universal Credit.
Now, users who do not find work in their sector within four weeks will see them facing sanctions if they are not seen to be making enough effort to find work, and could end up in jobs that are not within their sector.
The 'Way to Work' campaign comes from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
Maree Todd MSP said: “It is utterly shameful that amid a cost of living crisis, the UK government is moving to inflict further hardship on those already under financial pressure.
“In rural constituencies like mine, there are several reasons why finding suitable employment can take time. Take travel, for instance, many of my constituents rely on public transport to get to and from work. Under these new rules, my constituents will be sanctioned for not accepting employment, even if the hours are unworkable due to public transport timetables.
“Childcare is also another factor many have to consider when seeking new employment. These regressive plans from the UK government will put significant stress on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“This is not a government that is serious about alleviating the pressures of the cost of living crisis and supporting those into work, instead they are trying to push people into sectors that are experiencing work shortages due to Brexit.
“This move is also set against a backdrop of absolutely shameful rule-breaking from No 10, which sees Boris Johnson face no sanction.”
Ms Todd went on to highlight the differences with how the Scottish Government want to approach the situation.
Commenting on Scotland’s social security system, Maree Todd MSP said:
“The Scottish Government is firmly committed to doing things differently from the DWP and is introducing a new, simplified, empathetic system that works for the people of Scotland.
“From the Scottish Child Payment to the newly launched Adult Disability Payment – this is a government focused on delivering a fairer system, with dignity and respect at its heart.”
A DWP spokesperson said: “With a record number of jobs available, it’s right that people who can work are encouraged to take up available roles. Our new approach will help claimants get quickly back into work while ensuring businesses get the people they and the economy need. Work is the best way for people to get on, to improve their lives and support their families because, as well as being good for mental wellbeing, people are at least £6,000 better off in full time work than on benefits.”
The spokesperson added that people will only be sanctioned if they fail to meet what they agreed to without a good reason.
They said claimants are still able to dispute any decision should they feel they had a good reason for not meeting a requirement.
